Remodeling a bathroom is expensive but can add substantial value to your home. However, many homeowners must avoid making mistakes during renovation, leading to a failed bathroom redesign or worsening their resale value. Small glitches in a tile job or a crooked vanity might seem minor, but they can become eyesores later. Here are five common mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Failing to Plan
While it may seem cliche, proper planning is essential to any successful project, especially one as complicated as a bathroom renovation Wentzville MO. Rushing into a remodel without a detailed plan often leads to problems down the road. It includes underestimating costs, which can strain homeowners’ finances and compromise the remodel’s essential elements. It’s also important to consider how the remodel will impact daily routines. For example, if you’re replacing a tub with a shower, ensure the drain line is upgraded to 2″ so it won’t leak and cause mold and mildew. Also, install sufficient power outlets to plug in hairdryers, hair straighteners, and other essential appliances. It’s important if you add a shower/tub or expand the space.
Failing to Set a Budget
When starting a bathroom renovation, you should set a realistic budget. It will help you avoid running into workflow-disrupting issues later. Make sure to include labor and materials and any additional costs that may pop up. Many homeowners crowd their bathrooms with decorative features and large storage cabinets, creating a cluttered space that needs more harmony and flow. Consider using paint and a few simple accessories to create a new look without breaking the bank. Building codes are typically very strict when locating lighting and electrical outlets in bathrooms. You should check with a professional to ensure your planned layout satisfies regulations and can be inspected. Also, remember to install a properly sized exhaust fan to vent humidity.
Failing to Consider the Space
When resizing or moving plumbing, it’s easy to forget important details such as drainage and ventilation. These elements can ruin a bathroom, so pay close attention to them during remodeling. Another common mistake is focusing on aesthetics without considering functionality. For example, choosing materials that don’t hold up to the water and humidity can lead to staining and deterioration.
In addition, a lack of lighting can make a small bathroom feel cramped and dark. Adding windows or even a skylight can brighten a room and reduce shadows, making it seem larger and more spacious. Also, remember to use mirrors strategically to maximize space and reflect light. It can make a room appear larger and less difficult to clean.
Failing to Consider Storage Space
Including plenty of storage spaces when designing your bathroom is essential, especially if more than one person uses it. Adding bookcase-style open shelves to the end wall over your commode can provide the perfect spot for pretty toiletries, decorative accents, and clean towels. Remember to install a properly sized ventilation fan to keep humidity from ruining paint, grout, and metalwork. Without proper ventilation, moisture gets trapped in the room, creating a damp environment that breeds mildew, mold, and rot. To prevent this, choose materials impervious to water, such as glass, porcelain, ceramic tile, or natural stone (which requires periodic sealing). Also, add shelving and closets where possible for extra storage.
Failing to Consider Ventilation
Bathrooms create the most steam in the house, so adequate ventilation is essential to prevent mold and mildew. Without a vent, moisture will accumulate and cause the paint and grout to peel or discolor. Ensure you include a vent in your bathroom remodel to keep it fresh and clean. Choose materials that can handle the wettest room in your home, such as porcelain, glass, and ceramic tiles, rather than natural stone. Marble is beautiful but will stain and erode with exposure to water. Choosing high-quality fixtures, faucets, and finishes will protect against corrosion, cleaning products, rust, and wear, keeping your bathroom beautiful for years. Also, plan for layered lighting to set the mood to match your moment or mood.